CPI-M seeks action on lawmaker’s remark against judiciary

Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 13 (IANS) The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) Sunday asked the Supreme Court to look into the allegations levelled by Kannur Congress Lok Sabha member K. Sudhakaran against the judiciary.The CPI-M released a statement here asking the court to begin an inquiry into Sudhakaran’s statement that he witnessed an apex court judge take a bribe.

Sudhakaran statement came at a political meeting in Kottarakara Saturday to express solidarity with opposition leader R. Balakrishnan Pillai who was last week sentenced to a year’s imprisonment by the apex court in a corruption case.

The MP said: “I was a witness when an apex court judge was handed over Rs.3.6 million in two installments at the Kerala House in Delhi, by representatives of bar hotel owners from Kerala and they got a favourable verdict.”

“This happened years back when K. Karunakaran was the chief minister,” said Sudhakaran at the public meeting.

“Sudhakaran’s statement is a serious blot on the judiciary and he should reveal who was the recipient (of bribe) and who gave it,” the CPI-M said.

Responding to the CPI-M reaction, Sudhakaran said: “I stand by my statement on the judge receiving the bribe.”

At the political meeting, Sudhakaran also attacked the manner in which judges allegedly go to politicians to get their name empanelled in the list of judges to be elevated.

“Judges have come and sit before me to get their names empanelled,” said Sudhakaran.

Meanwhile, lawyers practising in apex court announced in Delhi Sunday that they would file a contempt petition against the Congress lawmaker for his remarks against the judiciary.